Çiçek Pasaji, Istanbul

Çiçek Pasajı is literally translated to Flower Passage from Turkish and is a beautiful place to visit off the Istiklal Caddesi. Originally called the Cité de Péra, it was built in 1876 and was packed with glamour and glitz during the heyday of the Orient Express. It got its name of Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasaji) when after the Russian revolution of 1917, many Russians came to Istanbul and many sold flowers in this fashionable passage. Later, the street acquired several flower shops, reinforcing the moniker. However the decline of Istiklal Avenue effectively took the glamour of the Flower Passage with it.
Çiçek Pasaji was eventually restored and acquired a glass canopy. After the restoration of the buildings in 1988 (it was restored again in 2005), it was reopened as a galleria of pubs and restaurants which cater mainly to tourists. It connects Istiklal Avenue with Sahne Street where the fish market is located.